Advent Candles

The season of Advent, which comes comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit,” begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. [Liturgical — from liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.]

During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming. Learn more on UMC.org

Also view “A Prayer for the Advent Season,”  a video prayer composed by the Rev. Jerry Chism and narrated to music and candlelit images by the Rev. Gary Henderson. Consider downloading and using this video (also available on YouTube) for your Advent Bible study or worship services.